Abortion is a procedure to end a pregnancy.  This procedure can be done either medically or surgically. The type of abortion received is determined by how far along a woman is in her pregnancy. 

The “abortion pill”, also known as RU-486, Mifeprex™, and mifepristone, is a medical abortion. This option is only available for pregnancies up to 10 weeks after the start of a woman’s last period. 

How does the abortion pill work?

The abortion pill is actually a joint effort of two different types of medication. The first dose consists of a 200 mg mifepristone pill. This is what terminates the pregnancy by blocking progesterone, a necessary hormone for the beginning stages of a pregnancy (British Pregnancy Advisory Service). 

After two to three days, the mifepristone has broken down the uterus lining and detached the fetus. At this point, the second medication of four misoprostol tablets is taken. This dose induces labor and helps to discharge the fetus. 

This procedure does not need to be administered by a doctor and is typically done at home. However, medical check ins are required before, and usually after, the procedure. 

Why the abortion pill?

The abortion pill is most commonly taken to end an unwanted pregnancy. However, it is also used to complete a miscarriage.

What are the risks?

Medical abortions are not for everyone. According to Mayo Clinic, do not take the abortion if you are allergic to the medications used, have an IUD, possibly might have an ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside the uterus) , or take a blood thinner.  In addition, if you have any medical conditions such as heart or blood vessel diseases; severe liver, kidney or lung disease; or an uncontrolled seizure disorder, it is recommended to not participate in a medical abortion. 

Mayo Clinic also warns of potential side effects that come with a medical abortion. It is common to experience vaginal bleeding, abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, diarrhea, and headache. 

If you are experience abnormally heavy bleeding, severe back and/or abdominal pain, a high fever after a day, or unusual smelling discharge after taking the abortion pill, call a healthcare provider immediately. 

What if I change my mind?

Deciding to get an abortion is a delicate and personal decision and it affects each woman differently. Some women change their mind after taking the first pill in the medical abortion process. 

There is a window of time, typically 2-3 days, after taking the mifepristone pill has not completely broken down the uterus lining and the embryo is still attached. During this time period, there is a chance to stop the effects of the mifepristone pill. 

The Abortion Pill Reversal (APR) is a protocol that uses large doses of natural progesterone as a treatment for women looking to stop the effects of the mifepristone pill. Progesterone is a very important hormone involved in pregnancy. It triggers the uterus lining to thicken and provides nutrients for the growing embryo (American Pregnancy Association). 

Although progesterone capsules have been used for over 50 years for several different pregnancy issues, this treatment is considered “off-label”.  “Off-label” medicine is when the FDA has approved the medication to treat a condition different than your condition. This practice is legal and not uncommon. In fact, one in five prescriptions are for off-label drugs (Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality).  

Studies are being done to investigate the effectiveness of this procedure. So far, there has been a 68% success rate in women seeking to reverse their abortion. Women who start treatment right after taking the mifepristone pill have a higher chance of success for reversal than women who go through with the full medical abortion process. 

Possible side effects for APR include drowsiness, headaches, breast pain, irregular vaginal bleeding or spotting, stomach and/or abdominal cramps, bloating, nausea and vomiting, hair loss, fluid retention, vaginal yeast infection, and depression. 

What if I don’t know what to choose?

Pregnancy is a big life event, whether it was planned or not. It is normal to be feeling overwhelmed and confused. That’s why we’re here for you! 

You have options and you are not alone! We want to come beside you and help give you the evidence-based knowledge and support you need to make a well informed decision. 

We are here for you today and empowering you for tomorrow.